scholarly journals Pressure Injury Surveillance and Prevention in Australia: Monash Partners Capacity Building Framework

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Team ◽  
Angela Jones ◽  
Helena Teede ◽  
Carolina D. Weller
Keyword(s):  
Capacity Building ◽  
Workforce Development ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Consumer Involvement ◽  
Tissue Loss ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Preventative Measures ◽  
Pressure Injury ◽  
Human Cost ◽  
Skin Redness

A hospital-acquired pressure injury (HAPI) is a common complication across the globe. The severity of HAPI ranges from skin redness and no skin breakdown to full skin and tissue loss, exposing the tendons and bones. HAPI can significantly impact the quality of life. In addition to the human cost, this injury carries a high economic burden with the cost of treatment far outweighing the preventative measures. The HAPI rates are a key indicator of health services performance. Globally, healthcare services aim to reduce its incidence. In Australia, the federal health minister has prioritised the need for improvement in HAPI surveillance and prevention. Capacity building is vital to optimise pressure injury (PI) surveillance and prevention in acute care services. In this perspective article, we provide a framework for capacity building to optimise HAPI prevention and surveillance in a large cross-sector collaborative partnership in Australia. This framework comprises six key action areas in capacity building to optimise the HAPI outcomes, such as research, organisational development, workforce development, leadership, collaboration, and consumer involvement.

scholarly journals Pressure Injury Surveillance and Prevention in Australia: Monash Partners Capacity Building Framework

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Team ◽  
Angela Jones ◽  
Helena Teede ◽  
Carolina D. Weller
Keyword(s):  
Capacity Building ◽  
Organizational Development ◽  
Workforce Development ◽  
Injury Surveillance ◽  
Consumer Involvement ◽  
Tissue Loss ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Pressure Injury ◽  
Human Cost ◽  
Hospital Acquired

Pressure injury is a common hospital acquired complication across the globe. The severity of hospital acquired pressure injury ranges from skin redness and no skin breakdown to full skin and tissue loss, exposing tendons and bones. Pressure injury can significantly impact on quality of life. In addition to the human cost, hospital acquired pressure injury carries a high economic burden with the cost of treatment far outweighing preventative measures. Hospital acquired pressure injury rates are a key indicator of health services performance. Globally, health care services aim to reduce its incidence. In Australia, the federal health minister has prioritised the need for improvement in hospital acquired pressure injury surveillance and prevention. Capacity building is vital to optimise pressure injury surveillance and prevention in acute care services. In this perspective article, we provide a framework for capacity building to optimise hospital acquired pressure injury prevention and surveillance in a large cross-sector collaborative partnership in Australia. This framework comprises six key action areas in capacity building to optimise pressure injury outcomes, this include: research, organizational development, workforce development, leadership, collaboration, and consumer involvement.

Toward establishing telepsychology guideline: Turning the challenges of COVID-19 into opportunity (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed M. J. Alqahtani
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Psychological Services ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Governance Model ◽  
Provision Of Services ◽  
Temporary Response

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has obstructed the classical practices of psychological assessment and intervention via face-to-face interaction. Patients and all health professionals have been forced to isolate and become innovative to continue receiving and providing exceptional healthcare services while minimizing the risk of exposure to, or transmission of, COVID-19. OBJECTIVE This document is proposed initially as a guide to the extraordinary implementation of telepsychology in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and to extend its implementation to use fundamentally as the main guideline for telepsychology services in Saudi Arabia and other Arabic communities. METHODS A professional task force representing different areas of professional psychology reviewed, summarized, and documented methods, policies, procedures, and other resources to ensure that the recommendations and evidence reviews were valid and consistent with best practices. RESULTS The practice of telepsychology involves the consideration of legal and professional requirements. This paper provides a guideline and recommendations for procedural changes that are necessary to address psychological services as we transition to telepsychology, as well as elucidates and demonstrates practical telepsychology frameworks, procedures, and proper recommendations for the provision of services during COVID-19. It adds a focused examination and discussion related to factors that could influence the telemedicine guideline, such as culture, religion, legal matters, and how clinical psychologists could expand their telepsychology practice during COVID-19 and after, seeking to produce broadly applicable guidelines for the practice of telepsychology. Professional steps in practical telemedicine were illustrated in tables and examples. CONCLUSIONS Telepsychology is not a luxury or a temporary response. Rather, it should be considered part of a proactive governance model to secure a continuity of mental health care services. Arabic communities could benefit from this guideline to telepsychology as an essential protocol for providing mental health services during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health Care Services and EU Competition Law

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Okeoghene Odudu
Keyword(s):  
Market Power ◽  
Healthcare Service ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Competition Law ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
System Matrix ◽  
Member States ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Care Services

This chapter investigates how, within a number of European Union (EU) Member States, competition law has been used to address problems of market power in the healthcare services sector. It summarizes the relevant EU and national competition laws and considers the experience of applying those laws to providers of healthcare services. The chapter is chiefly concerned with healthcare services in England, although examples are drawn for other EU Member States. Examination of the English experience provides a view of the use of competition law to address market power problems in most elements of the health system matrix. The chapter then considers three challenges that emerge from that experience of using competition law to address problems of market power in healthcare service markets. The first challenges the applicability of competition law to healthcare service providers operating in each or every element of the healthcare system matrix. The second, accepting applicability, questions the appropriateness of the substantive rules to healthcare services. The third, a battle of authority and autonomy, considers whether decisions made by healthcare service providers should be subject to external review and the type of review that competition law offers.

scholarly journals Building trust and enhancing localization to improve access to women’s health services in Afghanistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
F R Rab ◽  
S S Stranges ◽  
A D Thind ◽  
S S Sohani
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Vulnerable Populations ◽  
Time Trend ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Delivery Of Healthcare ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Women And Children ◽  
Delivery Of Health Services

Abstract Background Over 34 million people in Afghanistan have suffered from death and devastation for the last four decades as a result of conflict. Women and children have borne the brunt of this devastation. Afghanistan has some of the poorest health indicators in the world for women and children. In the midst of armed conflict, providing essential healthcare in remote regions in the throws of conflict remains a challenge, which is being addressed the Mobile Health Teams through Afghan Red Crescent (ARCS). To overcome socio-cultural barriers, ARCS MHTs have used local knowledge to hire female staff as part of the MHTs along with their male relatives as part of MHT staff. The present study was conducted to explore the impact of engaging female health workers as part of MHTs in conflict zones within Afghanistan on access, availability and utilization of maternal and child health care. Methods Quantitative descriptive and time-trend analysis were used to evaluate impact of introduction of female health workers. Qualitative data is being analyzed to assess the possibilities and implications of engaging female health workers in the delivery of health services. Results Preliminary results show a 96% increase in uptake of services for expectant mothers over the last four years. Average of 18 thousand services provided each month by MHTs, 70% for women and children. Service delivery for women and children significantly increased over time (p < 0.05) after inclusion of female health workers in MHTs. Delivery of maternity care services showed a more significant increase (p < 0.001). Time trend and qualitative analyses is ongoing. Conclusions Introduction of female health workers significantly improved uptake of health care services for women and children especially in extremely isolated areas controlled by armed groups in Afghanistan. Engaging with local stakeholders is essential for delivery of health services for vulnerable populations in fragile settings like Afghanistan. Key messages Understanding cultural norms results in socially acceptable solutions to barriers in delivery of healthcare services and leads to improvements in access for women and children in fragile settings. Building local partnerships and capacities and using local resources result in safe, efficient and sustainable delivery of healthcare services for vulnerable populations in fragile settings.

Ring the Bell for Sickle Cell: Encouraging Advocacy in an Underserved Community

2021 ◽  
pp. 152483992110241
Author(s):  
Ellen M. Bloom ◽  
Kisha C. Hampton ◽  
Kimber Blackwell ◽  
Gary A. Gibson ◽  
Christopher Roberson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Workforce Development ◽  
Sickle Cell ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
State Funding ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
Limited Life ◽  
Underserved Community ◽  
Access To Medical Care ◽  
Medical Advances

Sickle cell disease (SCD) was once a disease of childhood because of a limited life expectancy. Due to medical advances, it is now common for people with SCD to live into adulthood. Funding and resources for adults with SCD, however, remain limited. Adult patients would benefit from increased access to medical care, mental health care services, and workforce development. The Indiana Sickle Cell Consortium, a group of medical providers and community-based organizations, worked closely with people living with SCD and their family members to create a campaign advocating for state funding for programs for adults with SCD. This campaign culminated with the passage of a bill that provides $250,000 in funding for program development for adults with SCD. The bill also directs the Indiana Department of Health to carry out a needs assessment for people with SCD in Indiana. However, continued efforts are needed to reduce health disparities for people with SCD. The Indiana Sickle Cell Consortium will continue advocacy efforts in future legislative cycles and bring attention to the health inequities that affect people with SCD.

scholarly journals Modelling improved efficiency in healthcare referral systems for the urban poor using a geo-referenced health facility data: the case of Sylhet City Corporation, Bangladesh

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alayne M. Adams ◽  
Rushdia Ahmed ◽  
Shakil Ahmed ◽  
Sifat Shahana Yusuf ◽  
Rubana Islam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Urban Poor ◽  
Emergency Services ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Referral Systems ◽  
Alternative Scenarios

Abstract Background An effective referral system is critical to ensuring access to appropriate and timely healthcare services. In pluralistic healthcare systems such as Bangladesh, referral inefficiencies due to distance, diversion to inappropriate facilities and unsuitable hours of service are common, particularly for the urban poor. This study explores the reported referral networks of urban facilities and models alternative scenarios that increase referral efficiency in terms of distance and service hours. Methods Road network and geo-referenced facility census data from Sylhet City Corporation were used to examine referral linkages between public, private and NGO facilities for maternal and emergency/critical care services, respectively. Geographic distances were calculated using ArcGIS Network Analyst extension through a “distance matrix” which was imported into a relational database. For each reported referral linkage, an alternative referral destination was identified that provided the same service at a closer distance as indicated by facility geo-location and distance analysis. Independent sample t-tests with unequal variances were performed to analyze differences in distance for each alternate scenario modelled. Results The large majority of reported referrals were received by public facilities. Taking into account distance, cost and hours of service, alternative scenarios for emergency services can augment referral efficiencies by 1.5–1.9 km (p < 0.05) compared to 2.5–2.7 km in the current scenario. For maternal health services, modeled alternate referrals enabled greater referral efficiency if directed to private and NGO-managed facilities, while still ensuring availability after working-hours. These referral alternatives also decreased the burden on Sylhet City’s major public tertiary hospital, where most referrals were directed. Nevertheless, associated costs may be disadvantageous for the urban poor. Conclusions For both maternal and emergency/critical care services, significant distance reductions can be achieved for public, NGO and private facilities that avert burden on Sylhet City’s largest public tertiary hospital. GIS-informed analyses can help strengthen coordination between service providers and contribute to more effective and equitable referral systems in Bangladesh and similar countries.

scholarly journals Access and participation: What factors influence the provision and utilisation of health care services by children with learning disabilities?

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S452-S452
Author(s):  
A. Rebowska
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Young People ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
Wide Range

AimsThe aim of this literature review is to explore the range of factors that influence the degree of access to health care services by children and young people with learning disabilities.BackgroundChildren with learning disabilities are at increased risk of a wide range of health conditions comparing with their peers. However, recent reports by UK government as well as independent charities working with children and young people with learning disabilities demonstrated that they are at risk of poor health outcomes as a result of barriers preventing them from accessing most appropriate services.MethodsComprehensive searches were conducted in six databases. Articles were also obtained through review of references, a search of the grey literature, and contacting experts in the field. The inclusion criteria were for studies evaluating access to healthcare services, identification and communication of health needs, organisational aspects impacting on access and utilisation, staff attitudes where they impacted on access, barriers, discrimination in patients with intellectual disabilities age 0–18. The literature search identified a sample of 36 papers. The marked heterogeneity of studies excluded conducting a meta-analysis.ResultsBarriers to access included problems with identification of healthcare needs by carers and healthcare professionals, communication difficulties, the inadequacy of facilities, geographical and physical barriers, organisational factors such as inflexible appointment times, attitudes and poor knowledge base of healthcare staff.ConclusionThe factors identified can serve as a guide for managers and clinicians aiming to improve access to their healthcare services for children and young people with intellectual disabilities.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Current situation and capacity to deliver healthcare services at grassroots level in Minh Hoa district, Quang Binh province

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 27-34
Author(s):  
Dang Thanh Nam ◽  
Nguyen Thi Thuy Duong ◽  
Phan Le Thu Hang ◽  
Tham Chi Dung
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Current Situation ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
National Standard ◽  
Health Examination ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Disease Pattern ◽  
Grassroots Level

Strengthening the health care system at grassroots level is a top priority of the Vietnam Government agenda at the present. Recently, the overall system has been improved, however the capacity to deliver healthcare services, especially primary health care was still facing to many shortcomings. The study aimed to assess the current situation and capacity to deliver health care services at grassroots level. All health care facilities in the Minh Hoa district, Quang Binh province in 2018 were selected, included Minh Hoa District Hospital (DHs) and 16 Commune Health Center (CHCs). The results showed that the disease patterns tended to primarily concentrate on the illness which weres related to the human lifestyle and health behaviors such as living habits, eating unhealthy food, stress and also natural environment. Utilization of the curative services increased over the year, especially the laboratory testing and health examination services. However, the facility infrastructures did not meet the national standard. The function rooms in the facilities being degraded and damaged remained at high proportion which were required to renovate. The facilities lacked of large number of essential equipment and materials. In order to strengthen the capacity to deliver the health care services, the study recommended to invest to standardize infrastructure, provision of essential equipment, materials and drugs in correspondent to the disease pattern.

Umowy o udzielanie świadczeń opieki zdrowotnej zawierane przez Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia (leczenie w ramach ubezpieczenia zdrowotnego) a leczenie na zasadach komercyjnych. Implikacje prawne i praktyczne

2021 ◽  
pp. 141-151
Author(s):  
Paweł Lipowski
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Legal Status ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Public Payer ◽  
Universal Health

The aim of this study is to identify the legal characteristics of contracts for the health care services provided by a public payer, i.e. the National Health Fund (NFZ) as part of treatment covered by universal health insurance, as compared to those provided by the health care providers with public or private legal status. This issue is discussed in relation to the legal conditions for the treatment of patients on a commercial basis in those institutions (private or public) which have contracts for the provision of healthcare services under the general health insurance (so-called contracts). The discussion is presented based on author’s own observations, resulting both from his scientific studies in the field of medical law and his work in various entities operating in the health care system.

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